Stout for Breakfast?
St. Albans native Steve Gagner channels his love for maple syrup to create a delightfully flavorful beer made from locally sourced ingredients.
By Hilary DelRoss
The head brewer and owner, Steve Gagner, dreamed up 14th Star Brewery while serving in Afghanistan. Now, he creates traditional varieties with a nod to the local flavors found in his hometown, St. Albans, Vermont – aka Maple City USA. Maple sugaring season is right around the corner and there’s no better time to start thinking about all the ways to enjoy it.
14th Star’s Maple Breakfast Stout pays homage to the long tradition of sugaring in Vermont with well-planned and locally sourced ingredients. This dark brown stout holds a short, foamy head when poured into a pint glass. A combination of malts produce toasty aromas of chocolate and coffee. Sweetness from pure Vermont maple syrup from St. Albans and honey from French Hill Apiary (also in St. Albans) balance the barely there hoppinesss and roasted coffee and chocolate flavors. Oats added to the malt lend a full, smooth mouthfeel.
This 5.5% ABV brew is so flavorful and complex, you’ll want to order a second round. Available on draft in select locations across Central and Northern Vermont or stop by 14th Star Brewery during the Vermont Maple Festival (or anytime) for a tasting and growler fill up. While you’re there, pick up a 22 ounce bottle and take a look at the label artwork featuring Gagner’s grandfather tending to a maple evaporator.